Thousands of runners took to Porthcawl in the town’s biggest ever 10K event.
More than 6,200 participants signed up to take part in the 2025 Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K and supporting junior races, with a new course record set in the women’s race.
Despite strong winds and rainy conditions opening up race morning, the sun made an appearance bringing bright and breezy conditions to the seaside town.
It was the fifth edition of the race which took runners on a tour of all the beaches in the area – including Newton Bay, Trecco Bay and Sandy Bay before racing through Trecco Bay Holiday Park and Coney Beach Pleasure Park.
Participants then found themselves running through the town centre before catching a glimpse of Rest Bay and the iconic Porthcawl Lighthouse as the sprinted along the Lower Promenade to the finish line.
Following on from their success in the Barry Island 10K last month, Omar Ahmed and Natasha Wilson were once again crowned the victors in this event which was host to the third fixture of the 2025 Run 4 Wales 10K Series.
Wilson (nee Cockram) from Micky Morris Racing Team claimed the women’s title this year and set the new record with a time of 33:05.
She said: “It’s so nice to be back in Wales. Last year I missed the whole year so I’m really happy to be back racing in front of the home crowd. This wasn’t as brutal as the Barry Island 10K although it was as windy, if not windier.
“The atmosphere today was so good – Barry was good, but Porthcawl was even better. The Welsh crowds are always incredible and the amount of times I hear my name being called by people I don’t even know is really, really nice.”
Ahmed added: “It’s a beautiful course with amazing crowds – it always is in Wales – and I’m just so happy to win the race, it’s been another amazing event.”
A team of 185 runners put on their trainers to fundraise for the event’s lead charity, Tŷ Hafan, to help provide the charity with much-needed funds to continue providing comfort, care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
A series of junior races including a Toddler Dash, Future Challengers race and Fun Run rounded off the day.
Matt Newman, Run 4 Wales Chief Executive, said: “This year’s Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K has been our biggest yet and it’s been fantastic to see the thousands of runners and spectators out in force to take part in the day’s events.
“A huge thank you also goes to our title sponsor, Brecon Carreg, for all of their support as well as our lead charity Tŷ Hafan and our other partners including High 5, Bridgend Ford, Bridgend County Borough Council, Coopah and Capital FM, who without the event just wouldn’t be possible.”
Eleri Morgan, Brand Manager at Brecon Carreg, added: “Brecon Carreg is proud to work with Run 4 Wales and are delighted to sponsor the Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K, hydrating runners around the course and at the finish line.
“The race always brings out the best in the community and we’d like to thank everyone – particularly our team of Brecon Carreg ploggers who were out in force helping to keep the course clear of litter.”
Women:
- Natasha Wilson (Micky Morris Racing Team): 33:05
- Nia Clatworthy (Cardiff Athletics): 35:48
- Tamara Beach (Cornwall Athletic Club): 35:55
- Alaw Evans (Les Croupiers RC): 36:16
- Deborah Bruce (Bristol & West AC): 36:38
Men:
- Omar Ahmed (Birchfield Harriers): 29:25
- Dewi Griffiths (Swansea Harriers): 29:50
- Josh Griffiths (Swansea Harriers): 30:43
- Lloyd Sheppard Brown (Cardiff Athletics): 30:55
- Adam Bull (Pontypridd Roadents): 31:26
